Nissan Note E11 is a compact hatchback that has taken the market by storm thanks to its practicality and well-thought-out interior. But how spacious is it really? In this article we will analyze in detail interior dimensions, trunk volume, seat ergonomics and compare the model with key competitors. You'll find out if it's suitable Note E11 for family, long trips or cargo transportation, as well as what hidden nuances affect comfort.
The car was produced from 2012 to 2020 and was positioned as an urban companion with minivan elements. Its key advantage is the system Flexible Seating System, allowing you to transform the interior for different tasks. But to understand how convenient this is in practice, you need to understand the numbers and details.
Official interior dimensions of the Nissan Note E11
According to the manufacturer's technical specifications, the interior space Nissan Note E11 distributed as follows:
- 📏 Cabin length (from the front panel to the backrests of the rear seats): 1780 mm
- 📐 Cabin width (over the shoulders of front passengers): 1420 mm
- 📊 Cabin height (from floor to ceiling): 1230 mm
- 🪑 Distance between rows of seats (legs): 810 mm
These options make Note E11 one of the most spacious in the class subcompact hatchbacks. For comparison: Toyota Yaris of the same generation, the interior length is 1730 mm, and Hyundai i20 - 1710 mm. However, it is important to consider that real comfort depends not only on numbers, but also on the shape of the seats, the location of the armrests and other ergonomic solutions.
⚠️ Attention: The manufacturer indicates the dimensions for the basic configuration. In versions with a panoramic roof, the cabin height may be reduced by 20–30 mm due to the thicker ceiling.
| Parameter | Nissan Note E11 | Toyota Yaris (XP130) | Hyundai i20 (GB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior length, mm | 1780 | 1730 | 1710 |
| Interior width (front), mm | 1420 | 1370 | 1390 |
| Cabin height, mm | 1230 | 1180 | 1200 |
| Distance between rows, mm | 810 | 780 | 790 |
Trunk volume: numbers and real practice
Official trunk volume Nissan Note E11 amounts to 354 liters in standard configuration and 1336 liters with the rear seats folded down. These figures look impressive compared to competitors:
- 🚗 Toyota Yaris: 286 l (1050 l with seats folded)
- 🚗 Hyundai i20: 295 l (1040 l)
- 🚗 Kia Rio: 288 l (980 l)
However, actual capacity depends on the shape of the cargo area. U Note E11 The trunk has an almost rectangular shape with minimal protrusions, which simplifies the placement of large items. For example, it can easily accommodate a baby stroller or two large suitcases. And thanks to the system Flexible Seating, the rear seats can be moved back and forth by 240 mm, increasing the trunk volume to 410 liters without folding the backrests.
- Small purchases only
- For transporting bags/suitcases
- I regularly transport oversized cargo
- I rarely use it
An important nuance: with the rear seats fully extended, legroom for passengers is reduced to 650 mm, which may be uncomfortable for tall people. The optimal balance is the middle position of the seats, where both legroom (730 mm) and an acceptable trunk volume (380 l) are maintained.
If you need to transport a long load (for example, skis), fold the front passenger seat - into Note E11 this allows you to place objects up to 2.5 meters long!
Ergonomics and comfort: what really matters
Dimensions numbers are only part of the story. Real comfort is determined by the details:
- 🪑 Chair shape: The front seats have good lateral support, but the cushion is a bit short for tall drivers (may rub under the knees). The rear seats are almost flat, which is comfortable for three passengers.
- 🚪 Doors and access: The rear doors open to 75 degrees, making entry easy, but can be awkward in tight parking lots. The thresholds are low - ideal for older passengers.
- 🎛️ Adjustments: The steering column is adjustable only in tilt angle (no reach), and the driver's seat is adjustable in height and longitudinal position. Top versions have heated front seats.
- 📦 Little things: There is a storage niche under the trunk floor (volume 20 l), and the door pockets can accommodate a 1.5 l bottle.
Particular attention should be paid to the system Flexible Seating System. It includes:
- Sliding rear seats (240 mm forward/backward).
- Folding backrests in a 60:40 ratio.
- Folding front passenger armrest that turns into a table.
How does the Flexible Seating system work?
The rear seats are fixed in 5 positions. To move them, you need to pull the lever under the cushion and move the seat along the guides. The backrests fold in one motion - pull the loop on the top of the backrest.
Disadvantage of the system: with the seats fully extended, the trunk becomes less deep, and the cargo can rest against the backrests. Also, some trim levels do not have head restraints in the rear seats, which is inconvenient for long trips.
⚠️ Attention: In versions with the system Around View Monitor (all-round view) cameras are located under the front bumper. When loading the trunk with heavy objects, be careful not to damage the wiring of the cameras!
Comparison with competitors: who is more spacious?
To objectively evaluate Nissan Note E11, let's compare it with the main rivals in the class:
| Model | Trunk volume (l) | Row spacing (mm) | Cabin height (mm) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Note E11 | 354–1336 | 810 | 1230 | Sliding rear seats, high ceiling |
| Toyota Yaris (XP130) | 286–1050 | 780 | 1180 | Compact but less practical trunk |
| Honda Jazz (GE) | 304–1314 | 805 | 1250 | Seats Magic Seat with full folding |
| Hyundai i20 (GB) | 295–1040 | 790 | 1200 | Narrow interior, but good sound insulation |
| Kia Rio (UB) | 288–980 | 770 | 1170 | Rear legroom is least |
Based on comparison results Nissan Note E11 leads in trunk volume And interior adjustments. However Honda Jazz offers a more versatile seat transformation system (Magic Seat), and Hyundai i20 wins in sound insulation. If it is critical for you rear passenger comfort, then Note E11 And Jazz - the best options in the class.
The Nissan Note E11 is the leader in practicality among subcompact hatchbacks, but is inferior to the Honda Jazz in the flexibility of interior transformation.
Nuances that are not talked about in the salon
When choosing Nissan Note E11 It is worth considering several hidden points that affect comfort:
- Noise in the cabin: Due to the large glass area (especially in versions with panoramic roof), wind noise is noticeable at speeds above 100 km/h. Sound insulation is weaker than Hyundai i20 or Volkswagen Polo.
- Vibrations: In some vehicles, vibrations are felt on the steering wheel and pedals when driving over uneven surfaces. This is due to the stiff suspension and short wheelbase.
- Visibility: The A-pillars are thicker than competitors, which slightly impairs visibility at intersections. Rear visibility is also limited due to the high trunk line.
- Quality of materials: The instrument panel plastic is hard and creaky, especially in the basic versions. Top trim levels have soft inserts, but they get dirty quickly.
Another important point - ground clearance. U Note E11 Ground clearance is 150mm, which is 10-20mm more than most competitors. This is a plus for urban conditions, but on the highway the car is more susceptible to side winds.
Plastic creaks in the cabin (especially in the front panel area)
Operation of the rear seat rails (must move smoothly)
Condition of door seals (affects sound insulation)
System operation Around View Monitor (if any) -->
Who is the Nissan Note E11 suitable for?
Nissan Note E11 - a universal car, but it is ideal for the following categories of owners:
- 👨👩👧 Young families: The spacious interior and trunk allow you to comfortably place a child seat and stroller. Low thresholds make it easier for a child to sit down.
- 🏙️ City dwellers: Compact dimensions (length 3.99 m) simplify parking, and high ground clearance saves you from curbs.
- 🛒 Those who frequently transport goods: System
Flexible Seatingand a large trunk make the car almost a minivan. - 👵 Older drivers: Good visibility, easy controls and low thresholds are important advantages.
But to whom Note E11 may not work:
- 🏔️ For lovers of country trips: The hard suspension and noisy interior tire you out over long distances.
- 🏎️ For those who value dynamics: Engines 1.2 (79 hp) and 1.5 (98 hp) are weak for overtaking.
- 👫 Tall passengers (above 185 cm): The ceiling is low and rear legroom is limited.
If you need as practical as possible subcompact hatchback with the ability to transform the interior, Nissan Note E11 - one of the best options. But if your priority is comfort on the highway or premium trim, it’s worth taking a closer look at Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Fabia.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the interior of the Nissan Note E11
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator with a height of 1.7 m in the Nissan Note E11?
Yes, but with reservations. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo compartment height is approximately 1.1 m (floor to ceiling). However, if you remove the front passenger seat (this is possible in some trim levels), you can place a load up to 1.3–1.4 m high. For a 1.7 m refrigerator, you will need to open the rear door slightly and secure it with belts.
How many people can you comfortably accommodate in the cabin?
Four adults feel comfortable if the trip is short. It’s a bit cramped for three in the back row—the middle passenger is hampered by the transmission tunnel. The best option: 2 in front + 2 in back or 2 in front + 1 child in back.
What is the maximum weight that can be carried in the trunk?
The manufacturer specifies a maximum load on the trunk of 300 kg (evenly distributed). However, when fully loaded, the rear suspension sags, which can impair handling. To transport heavy loads (for example, bags of cement), it is better to use a trailer.
Is Nissan Note E11 suitable for taxi?
Yes, but with restrictions. In some countries (for example, Japan) Note E11 It is actively used as a taxi due to its spacious interior and efficiency. However, for Russian realities there are nuances: poor noise insulation and a stiff suspension can disappoint passengers on long routes. In addition, the rear row is not equipped with head restraints in the basic versions, which does not meet the requirements of some taxi companies.
Is it possible to install gas equipment in Nissan Note E11?
Technically yes, but this will reduce the already modest trunk volume. A 50 liter cylinder will take up about 30% of the space. The best option is installation under the hood (for 1.5 engines), but this requires re-registration with the traffic police and may affect the service life of the engine.